1. Why did the factory system develop?
The development of the factory system came predominantly as a result of the advancements involving technology, specifically machinery and its abilities and efficiencies. As a result of these developments, a huge shift in the way that Britain’s workforce functioned was able to take place. Fundamentally, this meant that as these machines were now being placed in buildings solely built for manufacturing and production of a mass scale, rather than in homes of families, the production rate could grow exponentially, as the number of workers that could do the same task was significantly increased.
Primarily, the first factories were built in rural areas; this was due to the nature of the fast flowing streams that was crucial for waterpower. Although, as technology advanced, and the use of steam engines became not only far more common, but also far more accessible. This was due to their upgrades in efficiency, affordability and their power output. The factories locations started to reflect this, the majority of new factories built, particularly those after the 1780s, went away from rural areas and started to move closer to railroads and coalfields. In turn, this lead to the unparalleled growth of cities such as Manchester and Leeds, which saw increase of population on a huge scale in favour of that jobs that were now available in the textile production industry. According to George Taylor the number of people working in the cotton industry went from 93,000 in 1806 to a massive 439,000 in 18621, solely from the result of factories.
To summarise, the development of the factory system was maximise manufacturing output, which in return, maximised profits for the factory owners.
2. Where did the factory system develop?
John Lombe’s silk mill was first factory built, which was water powered in the county of Derbyshire. However, it is generally accepted that Richard Arkwright is the main the founder